'Unfair' - York bar hits out over neighbouring venue's beer garden opposition as plans approved

Valhalla co-owner Matt Bedingham said his family-friendly bar had been well-run since it opened in York, in response to a claim its new beer garden could cause public nuisance problems.

St Sampson’s Centre Chair of Trustees Graham Hutchinson said the plans would see their courtyard in Patrick Pool put to use which would help to support the charity’s work.

But Pinvi, which is in front of the courtyard, said approving plans to let Valhalla use it as a beer garden would cause an operational nightmare and raised safety concerns.

The comments come as Valhalla’s application to licence the space was approved by York councillors on Monday (Sep 7).

The area would be licensed for alcohol sales from 11am to 11pm every day if councillors approve the application.

York Council’s licensing hearing was told the area was self-contained and included its own bar, glass washing area and toilets.

Councillors heard the space had been operating as a beer garden through a temporary event notice (TEN) since Friday, July 24.

Applicants Mr Bedingham and co-owner Vincent Roberts told the hearing North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service had raised no issues about safety around escape routes.

They added door staff would also be on hand during the evenings the beer garden is open in line with an agreement with North Yorkshire Police.

Pivni said in its objection its fire escape exited onto the courtyard and claimed the changes would cause friction between customers of each bar and issues in the street outside.

The applicants told councillors the beer garden had worked well so far, with visitors to St Sampson’s Centre also enjoying the space.

Mr Bedingham added the money their bar was giving to St Sampson’s would help support the charity’s work with elderly people and others facing loneliness and isolation.

The co-owner of Valhalla said: “The objection’s unfair about what sort of business we are. we’re a family-friendly establishment that’s operated for nine years.

“Apart from the objection we’ve not had a single about complaint about this since its opened, we’ve had nothing but positive feedback. It’s wrong to assume it’ll be badly-run or cause problems.”

St Sampson’s Chair of Trustees Reverend Hutchinson said they had already used the space for one-off events.

He added the only change now was that it would be used on a more regular basis.

The chair said: “We’re a centre for elderly people but they’re the Rolling Stones generation so they want to enjoy life too.”

The objection from Pivni said potential issues could included noise such as shouting and singing, people congregating in the small street between the bars and overcrowding.

The objector stated: “Operationally I am seriously concerned regarding the interaction and friction between our staff and customers and the customers of Valhalla.

“This will become a nightmare for our staff and undoubtedly cause friction between customers.

“Valhalla customers will undoubtedly enter into our building unknowing that we are a separate business, our staff will have to manage this.”